Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim (middle), alongside officials during an inspection visit to the NASENI Centre of Excellence and Innovation Hub, Abuja, as part of activities marking the World Creativity and Innovation Day.
The Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim has expressed satisfaction with NASENI’s facilities, describing the level of innovation and capacity as commendable and a success of value to Africa.
He stated this on Thursday, April 11, 2024, during an inspection visit to the NASENI Centre of Excellence and Innovation Hub in Abuja, in commemoration of the World Creativity and Innovation Day.
Ibrahim emphasized the need for African countries to design and execute projects with a continental mindset, ensuring local economies benefit from opportunities while meeting global standards.
While urging countries to adopt a “Think Africa First” strategy in advancing industrial and energy development across the continent, he said projects undertaken in Africa should be located within the continent, with a strong focus on building indigenous capacity and reducing reliance on foreign expertise.
He noted that local content does not mean African countries, including Nigeria, should avoid consulting foreign experts before seeking alternatives abroad, stressing that achieving the “Africa First” vision requires coordinated collaboration among African nations to solve shared problems.
Earlier, NASENI’s Director of Manufacturing Services, Engr. Dr. Jamiu Gbadamosi highlighted the Agency’s mandate in translating innovative ideas into commercialisable products and driving industrialization.
He underscored NASENI’s capabilities in precision engineering, reverse engineering, and component manufacturing while urging African institutions to collaborate and leverage the Agency’s facilities to support local capacity building and job creation.
The visit highlighted ongoing efforts by NASENI to strengthen regional integration and boost local capacity within Africa’s energy and industrial sectors through strategic partnerships and innovation-driven development.
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